POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Stanislaus County efforts to lift coronavirus closures create confusion for some Modesto Bee The new rules eventually will reopen Woodward and Modesto reservoirs — but only to people with watercraft. Her family loves the lakes. But they don’t own a boat. See also: EDITORIAL: New Stanislaus coronavirus rules favor […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Stanislaus County to get $96 million in coronavirus relief. Now, how to spend it? Modesto Bee Stanislaus County leaders are not sure yet how $96 million in federal coronavirus assistance can be spent. But they are certain to find a way as the county incurs expenses from its response […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Merced looking at vouchers, loans and other options to help city rebound from coronavirus Merced Sun-Star While the coronavirus pandemic has restricted business, raised unemployment and wreaked havoc on the economy, the City of Merced is looking toward revitalizing its future with a local COVID-19 recovery program.  Golfers get […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: You can be fined for violating coronavirus orders in these Stanislaus County cities Modesto Bee Five Stanislaus County cities can fine residents for violating coronavirus stay-at-home orders, but none have issued citations so far, according to the law firm that advises them. When should the local economy reopen? Stanislaus […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Coronavirus testing begins at Stanislaus County site. It could serve 500 per week Modesto Bee The community-based testing site at the Salida library on Sisk Road is initially for individuals with a heightened risk of getting a severe case of the coronavirus respiratory illness. Hundreds of businesses apply for […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Merced County supervisor apologizes after words about social workers’ COVID-19 concerns Merced Sun-Star Merced County Supervisor Scott Silveira apologized this week for comments suggesting county social workers may want to “rethink” their line of work after they raised coronavirus-related safety concerns in the workplace. Turlock to fine shelter-in-place violators […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Merced County coronavirus cases hit 82. New Los Banos pandemic rules to take effect Monday Fresno Bee In response to Los Banos’s rising number of COVID-19 positive residents, Alex Terrazas, city manager and director of emergency services issued an executive order instructing face coverings be used by employees and customers […]